tanned; tanning
1
: to make (skin) tan especially by exposure to the sun
2
a
: to convert (hide) into leather by treatment with an infusion of tannin-rich bark or other agent of similar effect
b
: to convert (protein) to leather or a similar substance
: to get or become tan
tanner; tannest
1
: of the color tan
2
: of, relating to, or used for tan or tanning
1
: a brown color imparted to the skin especially by exposure to the sun
2
: a light yellowish brown
3
tans plural
: tan-colored articles of clothing
4
: a tanning material or its active agent (such as tannin)
tangent
Examples of tan in a Sentence
Verb
Grandpa told us that when he was a kid, if he misbehaved at all, his father would tan his backside with a belt
a time when children were routinely tanned for misbehavior
Adjective
I can't believe how tan she is!
a horse with tan markings
Noun
I got a tan on my vacation.
Recent Examples on the Web
Nana Regueiro, Vogue, 2 July 2025
This was a tall order, since leather that’s traditionally tanned is very much designed to resist biodegradation, as millenia-old shoes that have been unearthed by archaeologists can attest.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 2 July 2025
Michael Nied, People.com, 2 July 2025
Some formulas have a tan or peachy hue that’s designed to offset a potential white cast, while others come in a variety of shades to match your complexion as closely as possible and offer a little coverage.
—Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 25 June 2025
Sherri Gordon, Health, 15 July 2025
The tan to grey spots have dark brown margins with tiny black dots (fungal fruiting bodies) in the center of the spot.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for tan
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Verb
While pale skin once signaled status, white women eventually gained the freedom to tan—and to return to that paleness when the trend passed.
—Nana Regueiro, Vogue, 2 July 2025
This was a tall order, since leather that’s traditionally tanned is very much designed to resist biodegradation, as millenia-old shoes that have been unearthed by archaeologists can attest.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 2 July 2025
Adjective
Last year, Grohl paired a navy suit with tan shoes and a yellow tie, finishing off the outfit with a pair of dark sunglasses.
—Michael Nied, People.com, 2 July 2025
Some formulas have a tan or peachy hue that’s designed to offset a potential white cast, while others come in a variety of shades to match your complexion as closely as possible and offer a little coverage.
—Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 25 June 2025
Noun
Some people find that getting a tan makes their acne less noticeable, but these effects are temporary.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 15 July 2025
The tan to grey spots have dark brown margins with tiny black dots (fungal fruiting bodies) in the center of the spot.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for tan
Cite this Entry
“Tan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tan. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
tan
1 of 3 verb
tanned; tanning
1
: to change hide into leather especially by soaking in a tannin solution
2
: to make or become tan or brown especially by exposing to the sun
3
tan
2 of 3 adjective
tanner; tannest
: of the color tan
tan
3 of 3 noun1
: a brown color given to the skin especially by exposure to the sun
2
: a light yellowish brown
tannish
adjective
ˈtan-ish
Medical Definition
tan
1 of 2 verb
tanned; tanning
: to make (skin) tan especially by exposure to the sun
: to get or become tanned
tan
2 of 2 noun
: a brown color imparted to the skin by exposure to the sun or wind
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